Masters of Scale

If 2021 is even half as unpredictable as 2020 was, you'll need to dig deep into your resilience and wisdom to get through. We've pulled together this special episode of Masters of Scale to serve as a sort of primer for the new year, full of lessons learned from the sometimes devastating, sometimes inspiring year we just put behind us. These lessons come from a range of guests we've spoken to in a time of incredible change. Some are stories about doing everything right – and still ending up in crisis. Others are about overcoming the odds with grit, heart, and compassion. Featuring GM's Mary Barra, Jeff Wiener, Jonah Peretti, Rashad Robinson, Colleen DeCourcy, Susan Wojcicki, and more. Read a transcript of this episode at https://mastersofscale.comSubscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter at https://mastersofscale.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reflecting on 2020's disruptions, the hosts delve into the challenges imposed by the pandemic and its impact on remote work dynamics. They discuss the importance of business culture and technology in fostering creativity and resilience. The conversation highlights corporate responsibility, emphasizing the role of leaders in social issues like racial justice. Personal stories of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit emerge, showcasing opportunities for growth in a tumultuous year. The overarching theme is a call for businesses to actively participate in shaping a better future.

Bret Taylor, President and COO of Salesforce and a key architect behind the $28 billion acquisition of Slack, shares insights on the pivotal moment this partnership came to life during the pandemic. He discusses how their friendship and past experiences influenced their business strategies. Taylor highlights the shift to digital work tools and the necessity of resilience in adapting to change. He also explores the future of workplace dynamics, emphasizing that our choices will shape the blend of technology and human interaction in the office.

Tobi Lütke, the Founder and CEO of Shopify, revolutionizes e-commerce by discussing the power of building a platform that benefits everyone. He emphasizes creating a virtuous cycle for business growth and shares how prioritizing third-party developers has transformed Shopify's ecosystem. Lütke also explores innovative employee care strategies, like the 'Lobatical' program, highlighting how a positive work environment enhances customer experiences. Throughout, he provides insights on standing out from competitors and fostering a collaborative company culture.

Peggy Johnson, CEO of Magic Leap and former executive at Microsoft and Qualcomm, takes a bold leap from a stable tech giant to a struggling startup. She discusses the unique challenges women face in tech leadership and the potential of augmented reality amid a pandemic. Johnson highlights how COVID-19 accelerated tech adoption, creating opportunities for innovation. She also shares insights on fostering collaboration and diversity within her team and the importance of employee loyalty programs in building a positive corporate culture.

In this conversation, Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, shares her insights on the transformative power of onboarding. She emphasizes how effective onboarding can significantly enhance user and employee engagement, drawing from Canva's remarkable growth with over 40 million users. Memory expert Ron White joins to discuss techniques for retention, showcasing how structured onboarding processes can lead to stronger connections. They explore innovative strategies that turn apprehension into excitement, highlighting the essential role of onboarding in driving business success.

Noreena Hertz, a professor at University College London and author of The Lonely Century, discusses the growing epidemic of loneliness in the workplace and its implications. She emphasizes the benefits of in-person connections over virtual ones, advocating for kindness and community as essential values in attracting talent. Hertz shares innovative strategies companies can adopt, like virtual lunches, to combat isolation and improve morale. She also underscores the need for leaders to prioritize mental health and foster genuine connections for enhanced productivity.

Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND, is a visionary dedicated to building bridges through business. He discusses the importance of expanding not just upward but outward, reaching new customers and products. Highlighting the role of kindness and resilience, he shares transformative stories from conflict zones and the entrepreneurial journey. Lubetzky emphasizes the need for genuine relationships in scaling businesses and how programs like Empatico foster empathy in classrooms. His insights showcase that effective leadership combines creativity, courage, and connection.

Joanna Geraghty, President and COO of JetBlue, shares her journey navigating the airline through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses how the airline adapted by prioritizing data while also trusting her instincts, exemplified by the controversial decision to reopen middle seats. Geraghty highlights inspiring stories of frontline staff and the innovative 'Lobatical' benefit aimed at enhancing employee appreciation. She reflects on the unique agility smaller airlines have compared to larger carriers, showcasing resilience and a commitment to adapting in a shifting landscape.

Tristan Walker, the Founder and CEO of Walker & Company, is known for creating the Bevel razor, catering to the unique needs of men and women of color. He discusses how initial rejections can signify potential and encourages entrepreneurs to embrace different kinds of 'no.' Walker shares his own journey, including the challenges of pitching innovative ideas to investors and the importance of resilience. He also emphasizes how rejection can lead to unexpected success and the significance of meaningful feedback in entrepreneurship.